NZ vs IND: Injuries pile up in New Zealand as star pacer ruled out of India tour

The injury bug seems to have hit New Zealand hard ahead of the India tour. After losing Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkesthey lost a star pacer for the ODIs and Tests against India. William O’Rourke has been ruled out of the entire tour of India as he continues to recover from left hamstring and calf injuries.

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that O’Rourke, who has been considered for the ODI and Test squads, will miss the assignment as a precaution. The decision was made with the upcoming four-Test series against Australia in December as New Zealand look to ensure the pacer is fully fit for the tour.

The setback also delays O’Rourke’s return to domestic international cricket, having last played on home soil in April 2025. A stress fracture in his back kept him out the following summer before he returned to action during New Zealand’s tour of Bangladesh in April. The paceman featured in all three ODIs on this trip after spending seven months on the sidelines.

“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” New Zealand coach Rob Walter said.

“He was due to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but after subsequent discussions we all agreed that it would be best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and build up his bowling load safely.

“Our bowling resources will be critical over the next few months, so we are taking a conservative approach to Will’s return to ensure he is fully fit before he takes the field again.”

“Ideally he will be able to return to Canterbury in the Plunket Shield at the end of December and in a perfect world he will be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9.”

O’Rourke subsequently played all three Tests against England in June. However, he suffered a hamstring tear on the final day of the third Test in Nottingham. His recovery was then interrupted by a calf strain during training in late August.

The fast bowler has already been left out of New Zealand’s squad for the five-match T20I series against India starting on October 22. The Black Caps also had to make changes to the lineup, with Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner called up as replacements for Chapman and Foulkes for the T20I series.

After the T20I leg, the two sides will contest five ODIs starting November 1 before moving on to a two-Test series. Tests will be played in Wellington and Christchurch, with the opening match scheduled to begin on November 19.

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